France have the trophy, Harry Kane's got the Golden Boot, football's not coming home, but England are already here and our own John Cross will follow soon.

Before saying goodbye to Russia, the Mirror's chief football writer looked back over a magical month of football and picked out some of his personal highlights from World Cup 2018, both overall and for England — and the biggest disappointments.

BEST GAME Portugal 3-3 Spain

This should go down as an all-time classic World Cup match.

The tension and excitement, considering it was “only” a group match on the first full day of action was incredible. It had goals and drama to nearly match my favourite of all time — Italy's 3-2 win over in 1982.

Spain trailed twice, then led with two minutes to go but couldn't hold on (Image: AFP/Getty)

Cristiano Ronaldo was simply sensational — unstoppable as he almost single-handedly dragged Portugal to a point. His last-gasp free-kick to equalise was the measure of true genius.

It also ensured the World Cup got off to a flier and set the standard for the rest of the tournament.

BEST PLAYER Luka Modric

Croatia’s talisman and midfield genius. He has orchestrated great wins, goals and Croatia’s march to the final.

Modric led the charge as Croatia came from a goal down to win three knockout ties — two via penalties (Image: AFP)

Modric deserves to go down as one of the best midfielders of his generation and only a fool would not recognise his achievements in winning a third consecutive Champions League and then leading a nation of only 4 million people to a World Cup final.

He was the single most influential player for any team in the tournament.

BIGGEST LETDOWN Lionel Messi

One really good goal against Nigeria should not cover up that Messi, who arrived as the best player on the planet, failed to live up to billing.

Messi will be 35 by Qatar 2022 — has he kicked his last World Cup finals ball? (Image: Getty)

Messi was largely anonymous and certainly did not inspire Argentina.

His failure to deliver - the decision to award him Best Player at the last World Cup was just embarrassing - in the biggest tournament will count against him when we think about the all-time greats.

BEST GOAL Cristiano Ronaldo

That free-kick against Spain was brilliance under pressure, with amazing technique and delivered an incredible finish to an unforgettable game. And it completed his hat-trick!

Spain were two minutes from a pulsating win when Portugal were awarded a free-kick... (Image: Getty)

...Ronaldo composed himself and sent a shot whistling over the wall and in... (Image: AFP/Getty)

...giving more weight to the argument he is the greatest footballer on the planet (Image: AFP/Getty)

BEST CITY St Petersburg

Of all the host cities in Russia, this was my favourite. It is historic, beautiful, packed with culture and also had one of the most spectacular stadiums.

This is a city that feels very close to being part of the west and yet is different enough to be fascinating and superb.

ENGLAND'S BEST PLAYER John Stones

There were a few contenders — Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson and Kieran Trippier all did well.

Bu Stones has been magnificent in this World Cup, despite a mistake against Croatia.

Stones gets the nod as England's Player of the Tournament despite strong competition (Image: Getty)

He has been superb on the ball, confident and shown that he is England’s future.

MY ENGLAND HIGHLIGHT

Gareth Southgate reuniting a nation after masterminding England’s wonderful campaign. It far exceeded expectation and made the supporters proud again.

His connection with the fans through the Football’s Coming Home anthem was a highlight. He has been a breath of fresh air and has rejuvenated the England team.

There was never any arrogance about this team. Quite the opposite.

Our expectations were incredibly low - and Southgate has helped us dream again.

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MY WORLD CUP HIGHLIGHT

This was my fifth World Cup and just edges out 2002 as the best I’ve been to.

The people have been welcoming, the cities have been different and interesting while some of the football has been fantastic.

Best of all, England’s performances on the pitch have made it all the more interesting and fun to cover and be part of.